A pair of octagon newcomers featured on the UFC 270 preliminary card, as Contender Series winner Jack Della Maddalena took on fellow newcomer (and short-notice replacement) Pete Rodriguez.
The undefeated Rodriguez had a 100% finish rate, but the welterweight known as “Dead Game” had never fought anyone with Maddalena’s experience or credentials. Maddalena, meanwhile, was a former Eternal MMA welterweight champ.
Della Maddalena appeared to pass on the glove touch early, and got right down to business. He put the pressure on, walking forward, but Rodriguez had some slick counters, targeting the body. Rodriguez mixed in a low kick or two, while Della Maddalena landed punches both upstairs and occasionally to the body.
Within two minutes, Rodriguez’s nose was bloodied, a solid indicator of who was finding more success on the feet. A right hand tagged Rodriguez near the midway mark, but he showed a solid chin, and continued to answer back. Della Maddalena then landed a knockdown off a left hand that put Rodriguez on skates. When he went down, he did not get back up, turning over as Della Maddalena added just one or two final blows to seal the deal.
OH MY, OH MY 😳
🇦🇺 Jack Della Maddalena came with a PURPOSE! #UFC270 pic.twitter.com/ghZwK85WF1
— UFC (@ufc) January 23, 2022
Official result: Jack Della Maddalena def. Pete Rodriguez by TKO, Round 1, 2:59
